Architecture Notes

Event ID 804825

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/804825

ARCHITECT: Alexander Stoddart [sculptor] 1997

(Undated) information in NMRS.

Nine-foot statue of the Scottish philosopher, historian, and essayist (1711-76), cast in patinated bronze. Set on a 5.5 foot plinth of honey-coloured stone, bearing on the front a carved inscription of the single word 'Hume', and on the back a plaque describing him as 'Philosopher and Historian: Scot and European: Man of the Enlightenment'. Cast by Powderhall Bronze. Total weight c.2 tonnes. Commissioned by the Saltire Society to celebrate its 60th anniversary, and completed in 11 months. Cost c.#120,000, raised by donations from the Society, Bank of Scotland (#25,000), Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust, the Advocates' Library, National Lottery, and the public. Positioned outside the old Sheriff Court, facing N side of the old Midlothian County Buildings, near the site of the Advocates' Library (where Hume was Keeper 1752-7) and St Giles', symbol of religious faith in Scotland. Erected 21 November 1997, unveiled by Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal of the University of Edinburgh, 30 November 1997. Neo-classical in style, depicting an idealised version of Hume in the robes of an Ancient Greek philosopher, reclining on a seat featuring classical devices, and balancing on his right knee a blank tablet, intended to represent his scepticism. Sandy Stoddart (b.1959): Edinburgh-born sculptor based in Paisley.

Scotsman, Evening News [cuttings in Edin. Cent. Lib., Edinburgh Room]; PJM McEwen 1998; B Hillyard 1989; T Honderich 1996.